Reaching the passes and peaks and I loved getting to Everest Base Camp

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was Gele, he's inspiring and knowledgable of the area. We felt completely safe in his care. His English was excellent and he genuinely cares about our success. He is a credit to exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a steripen to sterilise your water it will save you a lot of money.
Be fit as this trip is not for the faint hearted and to be fit means you will enjoy the experience all the better.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip for me was simply wonderful, Nepal is an amazing country and the beauty of the Himalayas will stay with me forever. The organisation of the trek from tea house to tea house was flawless and it meant we never had to worry about anything.
Loved every minute of it.

10

The trip that delivered on all fronts!

The High Passes of Everest trek was the first trip of this kind that I have done and was my 50th birthday treat to myself. Although I had never experienced altitude before, and had limited walking experience, I felt that I was fit enough and determined enough to take on the challenge of what is described as a 'tough' trek. Our guides stressed the need for a steady pace in order for us to acclimatise properly and be able to cope with many hard days spent at over 5000m. I never felt any of the symptoms of altitude sickness due mainly, I believe, to proper hydration. Along with the other 14 in the group (average age 51.9), I made base camp. Only 6 of us (ave. age 56.8) managed all 5 peaks and 3 passes, so I am justly proud of accomplishing that! The main reason that so few of the group managed all peaks and passes was down to illness, although 2 in the group weren't really fit enough and seemed to want to use the trek as a weight-loss exercise! I also went to Chitwan for 2 nights at the end of the trek. This was a thoroughly relaxing way to end my holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of the Kongma La pass was a very emotional moment for me. There were a couple of steep scrambles up to the top, something which I had never experienced before. The feeling of accomplishment was incredible, a very empowering moment, and this being the hardest pass, I knew that I would be able to complete the whole trek.
At Chitwan, bathing the elephants was fantastic, a childhood dream come true!

What did you think of your group leader?

Shailesh Tamang was great! His enthusiasm for the mountains and his pride in his country and people was something very special. His priorities for the group was safety and being able to complete as much of the trek as possible. He coped very well with the few cases of illness (chest infections and sickness/diarrhoea) and with a couple of the group who were much slower than the rest. The rest of his team showed great patience with us all and were always cheerful and positive.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes thoroughly. There are many long, hard days of trekking and you will enjoy the trip far more if you are fit. Drink plenty of water to help with acclimatisation (3-4 litres per day) and avoid tea/coffee.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Reaching base camp was something that I have always wanted to do, but this trip offered so much more. If you enjoy a challenge and being pushed out of your comfort zone, then spend a bit of time getting in good shape before you go and you will really get a great sense of achievement from this trek.

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

This was an extremely tough but hugely rewarding trip. I had trained hard before I left which meant that I actually enjoyed every step, now matter how tough it was. My head was up all the time, which is important with the amazing views on offer.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Each summit was a personal achievement and the views incredible, each one inspiring me on to the next.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was good fun but occasionally the constant "ha ha" was inappropriate and somewhat false. He was very young and with experience will grow in maturity I think.
However, he guided us well over the difficult passes.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train hard - you either suffer before you go, or you suffer on the trail! A bit dramatic? Not really. Because I had got a great level of fitness before I left, it meant that even when I had a throat infection thru one the High Passes I was able to continue and enjoy the day, something I would not have been able to do if I was out of shape. I was training 6 days a week in the last 6 weeks before departure (my normal training was 3-4 days a week before that). And I variety of running/circuits/High Intensity and endurance training. Well worth the effort. Age is not an issue - fitness is. Don't turn up unfit or you could ruin it for everyone else.
I wore calf recovery sleeves every day when we'd finished. They really work.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take a water bottle that can withstand boiling water. I had a water system that didnt so I had to buy bottled water. Take your Nalgene bottles (dont leave behind like I did!).
I was advised by a reputable retailer that my -5 comfort level sleeping bag would be sufficient for a tea-house trek. It was NOT, I had to beg blankets every night. make sure you have a warmer bag with you.
Smart wool socks can last up to 6 days - dont take too many.
Bamboo clothing is amazing too - the tops also last many many days, so do the knickers but I'll keep those details to myself. This is really helpful when you have a 10kg weight limit.
I took loads of chocolate etc but you can buy this everywhere, i wouldnt take it all again if I went back.
Take your book, there is quite a lot of down time, I sacrificed my kindle for weight and wish I hadnt.
I took Yaktrax Extreme, which are slightly more expensive, but we had so much snow and ice on the trail but mixed with rocks. the traditional Yaktrax (coils) couldnt take the rocks and broke. The Extreme handled it all really well.

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

It was an excellent trip, incredible beauty around and the whole scenery but it was incredibly tough. No matter who you are and how do you feel prepared, all the fat and energy in the body gets burnt first few days and you are left always hungry in between each meal since the food can hardly cover the energy outcome. Its not just the walks but also the constant frost (when starting early mornings well in the teens ...) only with the exception of day light (we had an ideal weather with blue sky all the time though), lack of running water and most likely also oxygen ...

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The High Passes are definitely the most fabulous place to walk ...

What did you think of your group leader?

All our leaders were excellent and always on guard to make sure everybody was alright (which wasn't often quite easy to achieve - everybody of us had his difficult moment during the trip)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take this trip only after several much shorter stays in comparable altitudes - what is probably most difficult is the length of the trip with basically fortnight stay between 4800 and 5200 metres above the sea level.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

8

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

A tough expedition although conditions can alter the toughness considerably! Also a fairly high level of fitness is required although this will not help with the altitude sickness which the majority of people will suffer with in various severities. Do not believe exodus account of " experience of hill walking in Scotland" this is a massive undersell as we had 5 out of 8 people who have regularly done this and we all agreed that there is no comparison between them. I am a very fit guy who trains approx 10 hrs a week running and weights and although physically not the hardest thing I have done mentally it is. Do not attempt this trip without considering the risks and if you have any doubts about your fitness as you do not want to be a burden on the rest of the group. Ps yak tracks are a necessity not as trip notes say possible extras.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Most inspirational time was reaching the bunk house after being the first group this season to cross the kongma la and then the glacier after 10hrs of walking sometimes in thigh high snow.
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What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was excellent with a thorough knowledge of the terrain and was quick to spot signs of sickness. Without him less people would have succeeded.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not assume that altitude will not affect you as you have done kilimanjero etc as people did on our trip. You are trekking at over 5000 m for over a week not just a few hours and then coming down! Start with diamox at 4000m and stpp taking after the last pass this is approximately 11 days worth so side effects should be minimised.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fantastic experience but not without risks which exodus don't mention but your guide will emphasise to you!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

A great trek into the khumbu valley, Everest Base camp and Gokyo. Fantastic scenery both above and below the snowline view views that are out of this world.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We had a very difficult trip due to the heavy snowfall and lowlevel clouds at Lukla. The high passes were closed and the peaks very slippy due to the snowfall and avalanches. However, the views from Kala Patter were great. But for me the views to and from Gokyo and Gokyo Ri of the lakes and glacier were out of this world and made the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prem & Hari were both very good leaders who made sure we were always well fed and are needs met. They are fun to be around and set a good pace for the groups abilities.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't take to much as you can buy lots of gear and supplies in Namche Bazaar. However, certain items are exspensive the higher you get so its best to get supplies like chocolate in Namche, where the cost is around 70 rupee's, by the time you get to the villages around the peaks you pay 300 rupees. The same goes for medicines.
Water is the biggest headache, plastic bottles or prurification tablets....there are arguments for both. I would be happy for the tours to collect waste and pay porters to bring bck down as it removes the problem and keeps the local people in work.....
Take ear plugs and a thin bed roll / mat for the mattresses as they get damp from the cold and condensation.
Getting to and from Lukla is a major problem due to the low clouds. Think about the helicopter option early if you don't have much spare time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Its a great trek, but unfortunately we didn't get to see all of it. Its tough but with a good pace you don't get exhausted. I strained my shin splint on the 4-5th day so it was quite a painful trek, but luckily I had a good pair of walking sticks and lots of Ibrufen!! Enjoy and Good luck!
James (41) Hampshire .

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

An unforgettable trip, for all the right reasons. Travelling through the world's highest mountains, having to dig deep into my mental and physical reserves, all with a great group and leader (Pasang). This is the trek to do.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All the peaks and passes we climbed. Particularly the passes, as then the sense of journey became real, looking back from where we had come and looking forward to where we were about to go. Also our group, all very different, but with a common purpose. Lastly, the the the people who lived and worked in the mountains. Their self reliance and work ethic and a ready smile are an example to all.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pasang had a real love and enthusiasm for the mountains. His briefing talks each evening were delivered with eloquence and humour, and gave a real feel for what the following day would bring. He was also an effective motivator during the tough times and helped make them a little easier. Probably one of the most importatnt factors in a trip such as this is how everyone acclimatises and stays healthy. Pasang was key in this respect constantly ensuring that we were given advice on how to avoid altitude sickness and stomach bugs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You will need plenty of determination, stamina and lungpower. There are 18 days of trekking where for 9 days you are sleeping between 4500 and 5200m, and each day climbing to well above 5000m. Make sure that you're fit enough not to wake up each morning feeling muscle stiffness, fatigue or with sore feet. Eat and drink as much as you can.
You will probably need more money than you think on trek. Water is expensive at high altitude and you can be spending around £7 per day just on this.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you have the time and are fit this by far the best trek that Exodus offer in Nepal. This was my first trek, and although I found it hard, it is an extremely satisfying trip, as apart from the Namche to Lukla section, it doesn't repeat any of the route.

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

What a fantastic adventure in an unbelievably beautiful part of the world. The weather was amazing, the scenery was stunning, the group got on so well, the leader was superb, the food was excellent, and the accomodation was way better than expected. I feel very privileged to have been able to experience this place.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

A small local girl (max 3 years) on first day of trek standing next to side of path we were on. With no prompting, as I walked past she stretched her hand out and handed me a small wild flower, smiled and waved me on. She was looking for nothing in return.
Barry, the oldest guy in our group (65), who was unfortunately ill for most of the trip (probably 14/18 days) and did not look well for much of that time, managed to the top of every peak and every pass. He was an inspiration for the rest of the group.
The emotion of being at Everest Base Camp on the 6th anniversary of my dads death and building a stone cairn there, realising that his love of the outdoors when I was little had a large part to play in me being there.
Local porters carrying up to 20 sheets of plywood on their individual backs and walking uphill in a bent over position. One guy had 120kg of wood. They get paid 'well' but an unbelievably tough way to earn a living.
On the way down through Phakding, a young boy (maybe 5) who was standing outside a building with a glass window, steaming it up with his breath, turned round and walked across towards me. At the other side of the wall between us, he bent down and picked up an old rucksack and then walked round the end of the wall onto the main path I was on. He proceeded to hold out the rucksack for me to take, and turned round and held his arms out for me to put the rucksack on his back. He then marched off down the path in front of me with a rucksack that was way too big for him, much to the amusement of the watching locals. What is he dreaming of?
Taking a photo of the top of Ama Dablam with 20x optical zoom camera and zooming in to photo to see two guys and the shadow there bodies were casting, at the top of the mountain. It was amazing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Psang was the best group leader that we have had on any trip we have done with either Exodus or Explore. His organisational skills were great, he kept things simple and clear, he had a great sense of humour, and he successfully got everybody in the group round the complete trek.
He did such a great job of keeping an eye on all members of the group, noticing when people were not drinking enough, or maybe struggling a bit on a particular day. He didn't force his opinions on you, rather suggested things that he would do, leaving it for you to decide, and it was great testament to him that everybody took his recommendations on board.
He also slept like a banana :)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You do NOT need to take that many changes of clothes with you. My wife and I spent so long prior to travelling out to Nepal and then subsequently at Kathmandu before flying to Lukla, trying to work out many items we needed to take on the trek. After getting rid of more and more, we still ended up taking too many items. The pace is slow and most of the trek is at high altitude, so you dont really sweat. You do need a few layers.
10 / 11 people took Diamox on advice from the tour leader for most of the time at or above 4000m. I didn't and I was fine. My wife did and she was fine!
Use the shower at Hotel Zongla Inn (if you stay there of course!) . The floor was padded, the water was hot, and most importantly the plastic frosted glass floor to ceiling window faced the sun in the afternoon, so it was actually warm when you finished having your shower.
Most people in the group needed more money that had been recommended to take with you on the trek. Once above Namche Bazaar, you have nowhere to access money unless either your fellow travellers will lend you some or your group leader does cash advances.
Your guide and assistant guide may not travel back with you to Kathmandu. You need to ensure you have enough additional money to tip them before flying back to the city.
Take a metal drinking bottle and use it as a hot water bottle.
Camel pac was the easiest method of drinking, although high up and early morning, the hose often froze up, so it is good to have an alternative.
Amazingly we were actually recommended to use plastic bottles of mineral water. (or boiled water) rather than treating the local water with iodine etc. Turns out there are a number of plastic bottle recycling plants in the area we were trekking (really!)). Only one person out of the 11 in our group chose to use treated water.
Do not have any concern about the food. It was, almost without exception, very good. Even in the highest camp at Gorak Shep (5180m), they had a comprehensive menu (8 breakfast choices, 8 soups, 6 noodle dishes, 4 rice dishes, and even pizzas (really). The availability of meat higher up was more limited, although chicken was still available at 5180m. It does get more expensive the higher you get as does the water. If you eat more than others you pay more than others! You will love the Sherpa Stew!
You don't actually need to take any chocolate bars with you. Almost every tea house had mars, snickers, some had bounty bars, most had packets of Macvities Digestive Biscuits and Pringles (or equivalent). Many tea houses also did big plates of popcorn.
Some tea houses are warmer than others, even when some have their yak dung burning stoves in operation they were still fairly cold, and I am talking about the dining areas and not the rooms.
We both had Rab Expedition jackets with us, but for most of the trip didn't really need them. In November there was no rain, so a smaller standard down jacket would probably have done. They were great first thing in the early morning starts, but got too warm to wear for too long when the sun was out. They were good as an extra blanket on a couple of occasions.
The rooms are in the main comfortable, but do make sure you take a pillow case with you. Above about 4500m it is very cold at night. We had between -10C and -15C in a couple of the tea houses. I don't generally notice the cold so much but for a number of nights had 4/5 season sleeping bag, thermal liner bag inside, two layers on top half, thermal bottoms, socks and a woolly hat. My wife had hot water bottle most nights above 3000m.
The accommodation was much cleaner than expected. We deliberately went late in the year after being told there were less people in general trekking at this time, meaning less throughput for the tea houses.
Battery charging is available at almost all tea houses, with prices going up with the altitude. Many people on the trekking route had fancy cameras with them. Because of the weight I only took a Panasonic TZ30 compact. I had three batteries with me, and they needed recharging probably 3 times each for the 2200+ photos. The batteries for the DSLR's seemed to last better than the compact batteries.
Put your batteries inside your sleeping bag to keep them warm.
I took a one hour charger for 4*AA (or 4*AAA) batteries with me. That proved great for GPS batteries.
Yak Traks were ideal for crossing Ngozumpo glacier. Some people had crampons. We only needed them for around 40 minutes on a single part of the whole trip. The Yak Traks have since been used back home!
Make sure you have buff(s) with you if you are walking late in the year (Oct/Nov). Many of the paths were very dry and dusty, and walking in a line there was a lot of dust kicked up. Many people spent quite a lot of time with buffs over their noses.
There were a couple of opportunities to have clothes washed by the porters. Be warned. They will NOT wash your underwear.
Do not underestimate how much liquid you need to drink. Stick to the advice given and DO NOT drink less that that amount. Otherwise you WILL regret it. Your pee should be 'clear and copious'.
No matter how much you eat, you will lose weight because of the altitude. Putting on a few extra pounds before the trip would not be a bad thing.
Take up Geocaching before you go. www.geocaching.com. There are a few to be found around the trek!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The pace was pretty slow at times which was probably ideal for the slowest members of the group. For the early parts it also helped greatly with the acclimatisation.
Our group did resemble a herd of sheep occasionally with people in single file, one person close in behind the other. If that didn't suit you could hang back.
It was amazing to see Yaks crossing mountain passes at 5500m.
Everybody in our group had either done one or more of G20, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc. Some had also done other Himalayan treks, but they said this one bettered the others. It was a tough trek, but perhaps not as hard as some of the group expected. The acclimatisation period probably helped considerably, and where several people had suffered fairly badly with altitude on Kilimanjaro (including my wife), the same problems did not arise on this trip.
The weather we had for the trip was unbelievable. There was only really one afternoon that the clouds came in and the view disappeared and the temperature dropped significantly. That made for spectacular landscapes and helped create some outstanding photos, and I am sure helped with everybody's enjoyment of this wonderful journey.
Do it now. Don't wait. You wont regret it for a single second.

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

An amazing experience which totally superseded my (pretty) high expectations. Great group, fantastic leadership team and a very rewarding itinerary- felt we really got to see places most people wouldn't get to explore

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Without doubt the whole holiday was inspirational- whether it was the cultural experience of the commotion of Kathmandu, the sense of remoteness and wilderness or the sense of achievement in completing the High Passes and summiting the mountains.

What did you think of your group leader?

It was very clear from the start that Pasang was well connected and respected- from his colleagues who also provided excellent support, to the hotel staff in Kathmandu and the other leaders we met whilst on the trek. He provided timely, accurate and essential advice and recommendations each evening so that when we got up the next day, we knew what we'd be getting up to! He also had a great sense of humour (particularly as he liked to mock my Norn' Irish accent) and it felt like he never took a break the whole trip. He was simply, outstanding. Exodus is lucky to have him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do bring reserve Bank of England notes to change in Namche on the way back down- I think we were all running a bit tight close to the end.
Be prepared to be hungry!! It's amazing how much your body needs when you are at altitude for so long- we were constantly wolfing food down!!! And this is against the principle that you loose your appetite with altitude.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A brilliant itinerary, at times tough but uber rewarding. Sign up and you'll have a ball!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

The best Everest trek there is. It's tough, no doubt about it, but the rewards are worth it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the sun setting over Everest from Gokyo Ri. Hard to describe how good it makes you feel.

What did you think of your group leader?

Lakpa, our head guide is a real local expert and a great laugh, he really made the trip even more enjoyable

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring plenty of snacks, you're gonna need them!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you can get the extra time to make this trip, it is definitely worth adding on the high passes if you are only considering Base Camp at present

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

A hard trek but really rewarding - the best trek I've ever done. The surroundings are unbeatable. I am glad I did this with Exodus - I felt sorry for a few people who were trying to a similar trek independently (even though I've done treks independently myself in the past).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summits of the 3 amazing passes with the support of a great group of people and a brilliant leader was just superb. There were so many views and places which made me feel quite emotional because they are so special. The views from the top of the passes, from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar stand out for me.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pasang is a top guide, top leader and top man. He is a model to all guides in fact. He is well known and respected throughout the area and his knowledge, organisational ability and understanding of others are tremendous. He really is the best. If you have Pasang as your leader you are so lucky.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you like trekking don't miss this but don't underestimate it. Make sure you have good equipment. Spending so many days above 5000 metres is hard and it can be very cold, especially in the hut bedrooms! The food available is good though and you're well looked after in the lodges.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go for it!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

Definitely the most demanding and rewarding trek I have done. Far more than, for example, the Annapurna Circuit.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many “big moments” on this trek. Climbing five peaks over 5km was demanding - to put it mildly – but also very rewarding as they all afford great views. The high passes were awe inspiring but the descents were even harder than the climbs and demanded concentration and fitness. Crossing the glaciers were possibly the hardest parts as they were tough challenges at the end of long, hard days. But we did it.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader inspired great confidence, as anyone who has climbed Everest would. His tales of climbing peaks over 8km and of a candlelight ascent of the iconic (for us) Ama Dablam were a treat in themselves. If I have a criticism it is that he sometimes under-reacted a bit. We lost a guide and a porter with Acute Mountain Sickness and but for the intervention of a team of medics, who happened to be sharing our accommodation, the guide could have been even more seriously affected. We were then two short on our support team and unable to replace them (where do you find people that far from a town?). I think the training of leaders and contingency plans for loss of support personnel are something for Exodus to consider.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the blurb. It says it’s tough. Believe me, it’s tough! If you can’t go to the Lake District and climb Scafell or Great Gable every day for a week, you aren’t fit enough. Yes you do get fitter and stronger as you go (more so if you're younger) but this is substantially offset by the effects of altitude and oxygen starvation. If you aren’t fit enough you will not be able to appreciate the incredible scenery you are walking in and you will also affect your fellow trekkers having to stop and wait for you all the time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you aren’t fit enough, get fit. And then do the trek. This is a great experience if you love mountains.
Finally, don’t listen to scare stories about Lukla airport – people would pay money just to fly in and out of this incredible place. You should, however, be aware of the potential for delays. We lost two days because the airport was fog bound – not an unusual occurrence. We ended up paying £450 each for a helicopter to take us somewhere close because planes couldn’t land – and flying in one of those isn’t something I’d repeat too quickly! Not sure yet if the insurance will help with this. However, we couldn’t have done the whole trip otherwise and we weren’t going to allow that without a fight. I think Exodus (and other companies using this airport) should be a bit more up-front about the chance of delays and get some contingency built in, like a call off contract with helicopter companies for flights at reasonable rates. And make sure the insurance you offer does cover this eventuality.

10

Closer to gods

Don't expect any comforts. Ignore headaches. And you will be rewarded with one of the best treks in the world!!! After a few days you might be tired of the Ama Dablam (I'm never tired of these!) or Mt Everest views - just in time to cross the Khumbu glacier that is going to keep you awake! This trek is not just about mountains - valleys are amazing as well, so don't think that the Renjo pass is the last point - the Bhote Koshi valley is just superb and this is where I took a LOT of photos (I put a few on my profile)!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Pretty much every day had a WOW moment. There was such a variety of landscapes and weather that we were constantly surprised! If I was to pickup one moment - it must be the Cho La pass. We woke up early that day just to see... snow! And then this quiet walk through the valley before the sunset, surrounded by white mountains. Amazing! And then a bit of rock climbing, glacier crossing, scree. Awesome!
Also the helicopter flight we had to take was quite an experience!

What did you think of your group leader?

Jangbu had a very tough job:
* Due to the monsoon our flight to Lukla was delayed possibly cancelled and we had to look for an alternative (at the end we hired a helicopter two days later).
* Our guide had to stay in Kathmandu and when he eventually caught up with us, he suffered badly from AMS
* Because of AMS we lost one of the porters
* We were delayed, so were missing all our reservations.
But together with the amazing assistant guide - Kusman - they put all together and we did the whole trek!
Jangbu is a very good mountain guide and team leader. It would be nice if he told us a bit more about the country and that's the only bit of criticism.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a tea-house/guest house trek. Exodus ensures that certain basic hygiene standards are met, but they are not running them (with one exception) and conditions in some of them are really basic - you might even have a problem to get a bowl of water. If you can't live without shower every day - don't do this trek.
Also this trek is for experienced trekkers - everyday you will be pushed further and higher. You have just a night to recover and due to a headache there are a good chances that you get just ~4 hours of sleep. Can you see yourself walking after a night like this? At this altitude?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy the trek! For us it was the best trek we did to date and it is going to be a difficult one to beat!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

I hadn't fully understood just how challenging it would be at times. But that just made it even more rewarding. And at 61 it's very exhilirating to find yourself moving through such stunningly beautiful surroundings. Even when it is very cold!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting over the first high pass (the Kongma La) was brilliant - and after that everything else was much easier psychologically. But the best moment for me was putting up prayer flags on the top of Gokyo Ri - on a perfect, cloudless day. With help from our amazing leader, Pasang, we'd had them blessed in Thyangboche monastery. That all added another dimension to the trip for me.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pasang was simply remarkable. Professional, calm, decisive, motivating, bubbling with enthusiasm and knowledge - and always there to help with whatever problems arose. I'm sure the other Exodus leaders must get fed up with people singing Pasang's praises. But he is exceptional.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're going in early March, make sure you're really prepared for it to be potentially very cold.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Having just retired, and lost my beloved wife with whom I'd shared 35 exciting and very happy years, I was tempted to think that the best years of my life were over. But that trek has made me realise that there's a lot more waiting for me, and that I can do almost anything!!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

A tough diverse trek under sometimes extreme weather conditions.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views from Gokyo Ri and all three passes were superb although it is difficult to choose as you have magnificent scenery "in your face" the entire trek. Sunset over Ama Dablam and Everest viewed from Thyangboche was for me a special quiet moment.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pasang and his entire team were terrific. Nothing was too much trouble and although the atmosphere was laid back they carried out their duties with a high degree of professionalism.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not underestimate the toughness of the trek and be prepared for very cold nights. Take plenty of cough sweets with you as Strepsils were £9 a packet in Namche.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go for it and be prepared to have your mind blown away by the magnificent scenery.

8

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

An absolutely stunning trek with stunning views, great leaders and a good group of people. The only letdown was the quality of the lodges.

Absolutely superb - always very helpful, good knowledge and always cheerful . I couldnt fault him at all and would thoroughly recommend him + his guides

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it - the views are life changing. take lots of warm clothing

Is there anything else you would like to add?

the biggest letdown was the quality of the lodges - I was expecting basic, but some were beyond even basic and the variety + quality of food was more basic than I expected, but this wouldnt deter me at all and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone -SUPERB!!!!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

Regardless of the fact that the weather for the first few days out of and last few days back to Lukla were less than the clear weather expected in October/November, this was an amazing journey with views to die for.During the critical 2 weeks between the first and last passes the weather was great and being in amongst these magnificent mountains was a joy. The trek was perhaps the toughest overall that I've done, the nights were very cold and the accommodation left a lot to be desired but hey that all just makes it more special.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb up and view from Gokyo Ri stands out with awesome views of Gokyo Lakes, the Ngozumba Glacier, and the mighty peaks of Everest, Lotse and Cho Oyu.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Pasang, and his team (Kaji,Kami,Nima) were absolutely first class and a lot of fun too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go but don't underestimate it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Allow the leader and guides to win at pool and snooker otherwise you might risk being left on top of a pass.

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

Tough as expected - I'd done the trek before and I'm 65! - and difficult to keep up with the youngsters. But varied, fantastic environment and views.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The view from the top of the Renzo La Pass - looking from Cho Oyu to Makalu via Everest and Lhotse, all 8000 metre + peaks, in brilliant sunshine. Even Everest did not have its usual trail of snowdrift obscuring the top.

What did you think of your group leader?

Shailesh was absolutely great - a fund of knowledge about the locality and absolutely sure and sound as a leader. This was particularly obvious when we got a sudden snowfall before the Cho La Pass and he had to take the difficult decision to back track and go round the (very) long way to Gokyo. Brilliant fun to be with, and very confidence building.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you think you're fit enough and love the mountains, go for it. You will find it tough, and there may be times when you wonder why you came. But you won't regret it and will look back on it as one of the great experiences of your life.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Am planning to go back to the Himalayas and do another tough trek in 2013!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

An awe inspiring trip that delivered amazing views, outstanding guides and physical challenges that took every last ounce of determination.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completing the Kong Ma La pass the feeling of sheer exhilaration was fab! Seeing the sunset over everest and then popping to the local bakery for hot chocolate and cake, superb!

What did you think of your group leader?

Pasang and his team were amazing, for one so young he had maturity and experience well beyond his years and assisted the group at every step of the way both physically and mentally supporting the group when moral occasionally dropped. The porters and assistant guides were always happy and smiling and willing to go the extra mile.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Anti bac hand wash religiously before and after EVERYTHING!!! I'm a meat eater but staying clear of any meat based food from Namche Bazarr upwards def saved me and many of my group from getting too dodgy a belly the noodles, rice and soup provided a good source of energy food with the occasional treat of egg and chips!
The sleeping bag I hired from Exodus was clean and warm but absolutely massive and needed to be carried seperately from my bag as barely fitted in the exodus kit bag on its own let alone with the rest of my kit in it. This meant that although the porters were very accomodating about carrying it, sometimes it got a little damp and grubby en route if the weather was wet and snowy (which it frequently was)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was an amazing but pretty challenging trip, I trained a fair bit before going to make sure I was at a good fitness level but nothing really prepares you for the altitude. I had been trekking and climbing at altitude several times before with no ill effect but this time at about 4500m I got hit hard by the altitude for a few days, but think making sure you have a very good fitness level prior to departure is a must!

10

HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST

It was a tough trip but worth it for the spectacular views, the extraordinary variety in the landscape and constant sense of adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the hiking every day and the guides looked after us well, making sure we all completed the circuit and were allowed to go at whatever pace suited us. 18 days of point-to-point trekking is hard, especially in November when the nights and mornings are freezing and it's hard to get out of the sleeping bag and pack up the kit bag yet again. We had lovely sunny days though and it was always worth it when we got going.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views from the tops of the passes and from Gokyo Ri. Reaching Everest Base Camp was a great moment too.
To come back to Namche on the way down and look back at the epic journey we'd completed was very satisfying indeed.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jangbu was lovely, supportive and inspiring. He was helpful and informative and made every effort to ensure that we all enjoyed the trek and were safe at all times. He and our other guide, Benpa, looked after us as a group and individually. I couldn't have asked for more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It can get boring having the same food every day (the teahouse menus are all pretty much the same) so you might want to take some snacks.
Take a really warm sleeping bag. If you don't have a good one, hire an Exodus sleeping bag as it can be freezing at night. Ditto for down jacket.
The lighting in the teahouse dining rooms is usually quite low so take a good head torch and spare batteries if you want to read in the evenings.
A good supply of wet wipes and hand gel will keep you as clean as you're going to get.